Climate Classroom

In this is a one-hour class we will teach you what a rain garden is and how you can solve water problems by building one. We will cover how a rain garden works and what makes it different from other gardens. We will also go over the environmental impact of runoff water. See examples of how rain gardens can add beauty and help pollinators in our communities. Rain garden resources will also be shared. This is an introduction to a five-week course that goes more in-depth and explains how to build a rain garden.

This class takes place in partnership with Detroit Outdoors.

Pre-registration is not required.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Exploration & Nature Center 1313 W Seven Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48203

In this five-week class, you will learn how to design your own rain garden! Rain Gardens filter and cool stormwater so that our streams and rivers run clean. Join us to receive step-by-step instruction to create your garden, protecting your home against flooding and helping the birds and butterflies. And in the process, you will become a neighborhood expert!

Participants must attend all five classes and plant or adopt a rain garden to earn their Master Rain Gardener certificate, sign, and t-shirt. Ask questions in our live class! Visit a rain garden in person! Neighborhood virtual breakout rooms and Facebook group for discussion/homework.

Classes will be held Thursdays beginning January 30 and running through February 27.

This class is held in partnership with the Metro Detroit Master Rain Gardeners Group, Washtenaw County, Friends of the Rouge, Friends of the Detroit River, the Clinton River Watershed Council, Huron River Watershed Council, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, River Raisin Watershed Council, Friends of the Detroit River and Alliance of Downriver Watersheds.

Full scholarships are funded through a grant from EPA – Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant: Protecting Lake Erie Marsh and Waters are available for residents in the following zip codes: Detroit (48209, 48217), Ecorse (48229), Inkster (48141), Lincoln Park (48146), Melvindale (48122), River Rouge (48218), Riverview (48193), Romulus (48174), Taylor (48180). Email Jill Martin (jill.martin@metroparks.com) for scholarship details.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon. Cost: $89 Early Bird Rate, $150 after January 1. Scholarships available see https://www.hrwc.org/raingardenclass for details.
Location: Virtual Class with In-Person Tours

Pre-registration is required. To register please visit: https://www.hrwc.org/raingardenclass.

Join us for our Earth Week Virtual Happy Hour, a week-long celebration of sustainability and climate action! Each day, we’ll spotlight a different aspect of the Climate Action Plan, offering practical tips for eco-friendly practices at home. From harnessing the power of rain barrels and creating vibrant rain gardens to effective composting and waste management, we’ve got you covered. Plus, unwind with a new mocktail recipe every day, perfectly crafted to complement our daily topics. Let’s come together to make a positive impact while enjoying great company and delicious drinks!

Topics for each day coming soon!

Pre-registration is not required.

Ages: Adults ages 18 and up.
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Virtual Zoom Meeting – CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 819 3375 2075
Passcode: 185667

Join us for a guided tour of the newly installed Lake Erie Metropark Rain Garden, funded by the EPA-GLRI grant. This beautiful and functional garden effectively manages rainwater from the surrounding pavement and filters it before it reaches Lake Erie. Discover the importance of native plants and the role rain gardens can play in your space. Our staff will be available to share tips on enhancing your garden, supporting local wildlife, and how you can become a Master Rain Gardener.

Stay after for the Native Plant Sale & Swap from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. ]

Pre-registration is not required.

Ages: Fun for all ages!
Time: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Food Bar

Join us for our Native Plant Sale & Swap. Got too many native plants in your yard or an excess of a single native species? Bring them to our swap! Whether you’ve grown them from seed, have extra plants, or simply lack space, this potluck-style swap is the perfect opportunity to share and acquire new varieties.

Our Native Plant Sale & Swap is an excellent way to obtain Michigan genotype native plants for your garden. Plants are supplied by Wildtype Native Plant Nursery, which partners with the Metroparks to collect seeds from various parks. You might even plant a Metropark wildflower in your own yard!

Staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips on enhancing your garden, building a rain gardens, supporting local wildlife, and more! Some boxes and bags may be available, but it is helpful if you bring your own or a cart. Species availability is not guaranteed.

Arrive early and join us for a tour of the Lake Erie Metropark Rain Garden at 9 a.m.

Pre-registration is not required.

Ages: Fun for all ages!
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Prices vary by plant
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Food Bar